Public Works Director

City of Omaha; Omaha (NE); On-site; USD 205,000 - 220,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Health Savings Account (HSA)

Pension program

Paid holidays

Paid vacation and sick leave

Job summary

City of Omaha is seeking an innovative Public Works Director to provide strategic leadership for infrastructure, transportation, and environmental initiatives. The role reports to the Mayor and directs a broad portfolio across 11 divisions, shaping services for decades to come.

The Director will oversee 763 employees with an $820M operating budget, directing capital projects and guiding mobility programs including the modern streetcar system, while engaging stakeholders and the public.

Qualifications

• Ten years of executive-level public works management experience.
• Extensive knowledge of municipal infrastructure and capital projects.
• Proven fiscal oversight and budgeting in public sector.
• PE licensure in Nebraska or ability to obtain.

Responsibilities

• Provide Strategic Leadership: Direct long-range infrastructure planning, policy development, and daily operations across 11 divisions spanning Transportation and Environment branches.
• Oversee Capital Projects & Budgets: Lead the City's Capital Improvement Program and oversee large annual capital spending.
• Advance Transportation & Mobility: Guide roadway, bridge, and adaptive traffic control network improvements and support the OSCAR streetcar.

Skills

Executive leadership

Public works management

Strategic planning

Stakeholder communication

Crisis management

Education

Bachelors in Engineering

Master's degree preferred

Professional Engineer (PE) Nebraska

Job description

Below is a brief summary of the position. To learn more about the job, the department, and the City of Omaha, view the brochure.

Public Works Director

Salary: $205,000-$220,000 annually (commensurate with qualifications)

The City of Omaha seeks an innovative, strategic, and dedicated executive leader to serve as our next Public Works Director. Reporting directly to the Mayor, this key leadership role offers the opportunity to shape the infrastructure and essential services that will support Omaha for decades to come, and to play a central role in driving the city's transportation, mobility, and environmental investments.

The Public Works Director provides strategic leadership, administration, and operational oversight for all functions within the department. Managing the city's third-largest department with 763 employees and an annual operating budget of over $820 million, this executive oversees city and traffic engineering, capital construction, street maintenance, parking and mobility, wastewater treatment, stormwater management, flood control, fleet and facilities management, and administrative support for OSCAR, the new $400M modern streetcar system.

Why Come to Omaha

Omaha offers the best of both worlds: the economic strength and amenities of a thriving metropolitan area paired with the welcoming spirit, affordability, and sense of community of a mid-sized city. Consistently recognized as one of the nation's top places to live, Omaha is home to nearly 500,000 residents and a metro population of 1 million. The city boasts a resilient economy anchored by Fortune 500 companies such as Berkshire Hathaway, Mutual of Omaha, Union Pacific, and Kiewit Corporation.

Residents enjoy a low cost of living, short commutes, excellent schools, and vibrant, walkable urban and suburban neighborhoods. Major civic investments continue to transform the city, including the revitalized downtown Riverfront, which connects green spaces with the historic Old Market district. Omaha delivers world-class cultural attractions-including the Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium, Joslyn Art Museum, Steelhouse Omaha, and the Men's College World Series-backed by a strong tradition of philanthropy and public-private collaboration that supports ambitious civic and infrastructure projects.

What You’ll Do

• Provide Strategic Leadership: Direct long-range infrastructure planning, policy development, and daily operations across 11 divisions spanning Transportation and Environment branches.
• Oversee Capital Projects & Budgets : Lead the City's Capital Improvement Program and oversee massive annual capital spending, including approximately $287M in Environmental Services and $318M in Transportation Services planned for 2026.
• Advance Transportation & Mobility: Guide roadway, bridge, and adaptive traffic control network improvements; manage the award-winning Parking & Mobility division; and support the deployment of the modern streetcar system (OSCAR).
• Lead Regional Environmental Utilities: Oversee regional wastewater treatment facilities serving 800,000 residents, municipal stormwater compliance, flood control, household hazardous waste, and multi-billion-dollar long-term stream and combined sewer control plans.
• Manage Resources & Internal Support: Direct fleet maintenance for all city vehicles (including Police, Fire, and Parks), facilities management across municipal facilities, and department-wide administrative functions.
• Engage the Community & Stakeholders: Serve as the chief spokesperson and advocate for the department, cultivating strong relationships with elected officials, regional partners, business leaders, the media, and the public, while promoting public involvement and small-business participation.
• Ensure Resiliency & Crisis Preparedness: Lead organizational emergency management and continuity of operations during severe weather events such as flooding and storms.

Desired Qualifications

Qualified candidates will demonstrate:

• Executive Experience: Ten (10) years of extensive administrative and management experience in public works operations and engineering management serving a complex municipal organization.
• Technical Expertise : Comprehensive knowledge of municipal infrastructure, transportation systems, water/wastewater utilities, large-scale capital project execution, and public sector budgeting.
• Strategic & Operational Leadership: Proven track record in long-range strategic planning, fiscal oversight, crisis response, continuous improvement, and building high-performing, accountable teams.
• Communication & Political Acumen: Outstanding leadership and communication skills with a demonstrated ability to serve as a trusted advisor to elected leaders, translate complex technical information for the public, and build consensus.
• Education & Licensure: A Bachelor's degree in Engineering or a related field is required; a Master's degree is preferred. Registration as a Professional Engineer (PE) by the State of Nebraska (or ability to obtain registration within a specified timeframe for out-of-state candidates) is required.

Compensation & Benefits

The expected salary range for this full-time, exempt position is $205,000-$220,000, commensurate with experience and qualifications.

The City of Omaha offers a comprehensive benefits package including:

• Health insurance with major medical, dental, and vision coverage for individuals and families
• City funding toward a Health Savings Account (HSA)
• Defined benefit pension program
• Fifteen (15) paid holidays annually
• Generous paid vacation and sick leave

Location

This position is based in Omaha, Nebraska. Possession of, or the ability to obtain, a valid Driver's License is required.

For additional information, please contact:

Kylie Wilson
Principal HR Consultant, CPS HR Consulting
[e-mail]

Application Deadline: Wednesday, September 30, 2026

The City of Omaha is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to non-discrimination, public stewardship, and the provision of high-quality, dependable infrastructure and services to all residents.